House candidate arrested for gun at airport dropping out

12/28/12 1:47 PM EST

Democratic State Sen. Donne Trotter is dropping out of the Illinois special election to succeed former Rep. Jesse Jackson Jr., the Chicago Sun-Times reported Friday.

Trotter had been seen as a leading candidate in the race. But his campaign was hit hard earlier this month after he was arrested for trying to take a handgun through a security checkpoint at O’Hare Airport in Chicago. He told police the weapon was from his job as a security guard and that he forgot about it.

Trotter’s exit leaves a crowded field of candidates, including former Democratic Rep. Mel Reynolds, state Sen. Toi Hutchinson, and former state Rep. Will Burns.
The primary election is slated for Feb. 26. Democrats are expected to easily hold the Chicagoland seat.

Jackson Jr., who has been undergoing treatment for mental health issues, resigned his seat in November after an extended absence from the House.